Communist North Korea's invasion of South Korea in June 1950 sparked a devastating three-year war. Eight Canadian destroyers ultimately served in Korean waters as part of Canada's contribution to United Nations forces fighting the invasion.

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United Nations Warships off Korea, 1950-1953

This photograph shows United Nations ships, including at least one Canadian destroyer (right), off the coast of Korea during the Korean War.

In late June 1950, Ottawa sent three destroyers to Korean waters in response to the United Nations' (UN) request for assistance, where they joined ships from other countries, including the United States and Great Britain. Quickly sending these ships was a large, difficult commitment for Canada's small navy. Cayuga, Athabaskan, and Sioux, the first to arrive in July 1950, evacuated retreating UN troops, supported commando operations, and bombarded enemy coastal positions. Eight Canadian warships ultimately served in Korea.